Read: Exodus 3:7-17
. . . a land flowing with milk and honey. (vv. 8, 17)
Life can be wonderful. But at times it can also be painful and difficult. Natural disasters, civil unrest, relationship failures, and illnesses are just some of the difficulties we may experience.
The people of Israel knew pain and difficulties. In Exodus 3, they cried out to God because they were suffering as slaves under the Egyptians. God heard their cries. He had a plan to deliver the Israelites, to bring them to a “good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey” (v. 8). What hope must have filled the people when they learned about this “promised land.”
As we face the pain and difficulties of life, do we who trust in Jesus have a promised land—a good land flowing with milk and honey? We do! In John 14:2, Jesus tells us, “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” We have the promise of heaven—and ultimately, when Jesus comes again, the promised land of the new heaven and earth (1 Peter 1:10-13)! And so we sing:
On Jordan’s stormy banks [this earth] I stand,
and cast a wishful eye
To Canaan’s fair and happy land [heaven],
where my possessions lie.
I am bound for the promised land,
I am bound for the promised land;
O who will come and go with me?
I am bound for the promised land.
(“On Jordan’s Stormy Banks I Stand”)
As you pray, remember those who are facing painful challenges.
Rich Bawinkel is a retired pastor who has served churches in the Reformed Church in America and the Kingdom Network. He is married to Anne and serves as a musician in their local church, as the administrator of the Kingdom Network, and on the Words of Hope Board of Directors.
